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Icon raises Gooder to group CEO

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Bruce Davey is turning over the responsibility of day-to-day operations at Icon to Mark Gooder, who has been promoted to CEO of the Icon Group.

Icon co-founders Davey and Mel Gibson announced the move Wednesday.

Davey will step down as CEO of Icon Prods. on Jan. 1 but will continue to serve as chairman of the board. Gooder and CFO Vicki Christianson also are joining the board.

Gooder was president of acquisitions and development. In his new role, he will oversee Icon Prods., Icon Entertainment International and the U.K. and Australian distribution companies.

Gooder established Icon's Australian distribution company in 2000, moving to Los Angeles in 2006 to oversee production, acquisition and distribution activities.

"The Icon Group needs to continue to evolve to maintain leadership and capitalize on the opportunities in the ever-interesting independent film world," Davey said. "Mark has all the necessary skills and enthusiasm to move Icon forward to the next level. To support Mark, we have an excellent team in Vicki Christianson, David Miercourt and Ariel Veneziano and Mel and I are extremely optimistic of Icon's future."

Gooder said: "I've learned from the best and look forward to continuing the strengthening of the Icon brand under the new structure. Bruce and Mel have always had a strong vision for the company and I'm proud to be an integral part of that vision moving forward."

Icon Prods.' current slate includes Paul McGuigan's "Push," starring Chris Evans, Djimon Hounsou and Dakota Fanning, which Icon is co-financing and co-selling with Summit Entertainment; the Australian coming-of-age family drama "The Black Balloon," starring Toni Collette; and Kyle Rankin's horror comedy, "Infestation." Icon Distribution has handled such recent titles in its territories as "La Vie en Rose," "Once," "Bridge to Terabithia," "30 Days of Night" and "Death at a Funeral."